Kent Wardley, the Chairman of the Fiber Optic Sensing Association who is half-way through his year’s tenure, also marks his 10-year anniversary at bp Launchpad company Fotech in 2021, where he is VP of Sales, Americas.
In this interview, he looks at the role fiber optic sensing has to play in industry, what the future of the technology holds and how it may support the Infrastructure Bill.
What is fiber optic sensing?
Fiber optic sensing involves using fiber optics to detect and to monitor vibrations and temperature changes in the ground in real-time.
This could be vehicles driving or stopping, people walking, running, climbing or digging, seismic activity and changes to structural integrity such as an explosion.
Using the technology to monitor for liquid and gas leaks, one of the cornerstone uses, provides operators with critical insights.
How does the technology work?
Fiber optic sensing works by sending thousands of pulses of light along a fiber optic cable every second and measuring changes in the “backscattering” of light occurring when the light encounters vibration, strain or temperature change.
(See how Fotech’s distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology that can detect, locate and deter attempts to breach a fence or wall, avert digging incidents or unwanted human activity along a secure asset. Courtesy of Fotech and YouTube.)
By using advanced algorithms, the technology analyzes these changes to identify and to categorize the disturbance.
Each type of disturbance has its own signature, and the technology can tell an operator in real-time, what happened, exactly where it happened and when it happened.
What are the main advantages to this technology?
This technology is not constrained by line of sight or remote power access and, depending on system configuration, can be deployed in continuous lengths over hundreds of miles with detection at every point along its path.
Furthermore, because the technology essentially ‘plugs in’ to existing fiber optic cable networks, these benefits can be delivered at minimal incremental cost to installers.
Extensive construction work, digging up the streets or installing new fixed-point sensors like cameras is not necessary. As such, the cost per sensing point over great distances cannot be matched by competing technologies.
What are some critical applications?
There are many applications, and fiber optic sensing is being used worldwide to enhance the security of critical facilities and infrastructure and to strengthen public safety.
For example, it is being deployed to protect infrastructure, such as railways, bridges, tunnels, borders, airports, power stations and pipelines.
With the news on 24 June that a bi-partisan group of senators had reached a deal on a “framework’ for an infrastructure spending bill to take to the President, FOSA is hopeful the bill, which is part of the Build Back Better plan for rebuilding the economy, will pass.
(President Joe Biden delivers remarks on his Build Back Better agenda and the plan to generate economic growth. Courtesy of CNBC News and YouTube. Posted on Aug 11, 2021.)
A bill to rebuild roads, bridges and other traditional infrastructure is a major priority for the President, who is seeking to fuel growth.
Depending on how all-encompassing this legislation may be, fiber optic sensing technology can be used for rail safety and efficiency, on highways for congestion monitoring, smart traffic management systems, and autonomous vehicles.
(Fotech’s DAS technology can provide real-time road traffic information, reducing emissions, improving air quality and reducing journey times. Courtesy of Fotech and YouTube.)
There is also scope for electricity grid security and safety, pipeline leak detection as well as dam and levee monitoring.
What has been the biggest influence on the technology in the last decade?
Without a doubt, our growing communications networks, and the introduction of 5G technology has made the most impact in recent years.
Since fiber optics is the supporting infrastructure of 5G networks, its roll-out means there is a larger network of cables into which we can tap for sensing.
Second, our insatiable demand for data in a more digital world means the requirement for sensing technologies is increasing.
As we seek to live in a more connected way, there have been huge investments in monitoring and sensing technologies and in supporting technical infrastructure – a full fiber network is the glue connecting all of these new sensors and systems together.
However, what is very poorly understood, and often overlooked, is the idea that the fiber cables themselves can actually be used as sensors in their own right.
Are there any barriers to entry?
One of the largest barriers to entry, specifically in the US, is the relatively slow adoption of fiber optic cables.
In industry, there are some historic reasons fiber optics aren’t being leveraged as they are in other parts of the world. For example, in the US pipeline industry, networks were laid 60 or 70 years ago, before the introduction of fiber optic cabling.
However, these are exactly the type of pipes that would benefit most from sensing as their age makes them more prone to leaks.
(Learn more about how Fotech’s DAS technology can detect, locate and avert digging incidents. Courtesy of Fotech and YouTube.)
What does the future hold for the technology?
Fiber optic sensing is coming into its own. It has been proven in the field repeatedly so the future is bright as its benefits are increasingly recognized.
Sensing technologies such as Fotech’s distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) are already here and available now, capable of providing instant, real-time information.
Furthermore, fiber optic sensing does not always need to replace existing sensing technologies. Rather, it can provide an additional layer of security, working together for an integrated approach to reducing risk and improving safety.
For more information visit www.fiberopticsensing.org/ or www.fotech.com
Kent Wardley is the VP of Sales at Fotech for the Americas, and has over 25 years in Technical Sales starting his Sales career and formal training with Hewlett Packard.
He started his focus in Fiber Optics in 1996 and has worked with a number of successful start-ups and mid-cap companies delivering revenue and growth in their associated markets. Successes include Queensgate Instruments, Cidra, Laird, Noisecom and IQE plc.
He has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology and a Master in Science in Business Marketing from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Fotech, a bp Launchpad company, is a trusted partner to its customers in over 25 countries in the smart cities, infrastructure, security and pipeline sectors.
Fotech combines photonics and technical expertise to deliver world-class, fibre-enabled solutions and deep insights that empower customers to make data-driven decisions.
Related Technologies…
PureTech Systems PureActiv Nominated in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is today in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
American Security Today is pleased to announce TSA Administrator David Pekoske, will join the organization as a featured speaker at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon, on November 18, 2021 at ISC East in New York City.
“On the heels of an unprecedented global pandemic, continued unrest in our cities and potentially catastrophic cyberattacks on our nations critical infrastructure, the focus of the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon will be on the latest, state-of-the-art innovations that are driving investments in new public security and safety technologies and systems,” said AST Editorial and Managing Director Tammy Waitt.
“As a recognized expert in crisis management, strategic planning, innovation and aviation, surface transportation and maritime security, David Pekoske’s message highlighting his top priorities and challenges for the TSA based on his years of wide-ranging experience will be critical to our attendees internalizing the critical nature of these escalating challenges, and realizing innovative new approaches to meet them.”
The 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by AMAROK, Fortior Solutions and SIMS Software, along with Returning Premier Sponsors ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, and Reed Exhibitions.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | COVID Innovations |
| And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Register for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Luncheon Today
At ISC East 2021 you with the opportunity to interact with a broad array of security industry professionals.
ISC East works closely with other businesses in the security and public safety space to help bring together the Northeast’s largest security trade show each year.
In collaboration with premier sponsor SIA (Security Industry Association) and in partnership with ASIS NYC, ISC East is proud to work with and be supported by various associations, trade publications, charities, and more.
Therefore, the ISC audience of security dealers, installers, integrators, consultants, corporate, government and law enforcement/first responder practitioners will be joined by the ASIS NYC audience of major corporate managerial-through-director-level national and global security executives.
The combination of one-on-one conversations with the industry’s top innovators, integrators and security executives, special events, high-quality education and training, and strong support from industry associations, will allow attendees to learn and evaluate solutions from leading security exhibitors and brands.
With the integration of the Natural Disaster and Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo, the show is moving even further into our reader’s wheelhouse!
Your ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon registration includes complimentary attendee access to both ISC East – and NDEM!
Thank take advantage of this exclusive luncheon opportunity to take a break from the show – Invite your team, guests, clients and show visitors to a lovely and affordable plated meal event in the heart of New York City, for a fabulous networking opportunity!
Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your seat or reserve a table.
***Limited space available so Register Today. There will be no on-site registrations.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
-
For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
Subscribe to the AST Daily News Alert Here.
Learn More…
PureTech Nominated for Six ‘ASTORS’ Awards for Award-Winning PureActiv
